political science

American  

noun

1. a social science dealing with political institutions and with the principles and conduct of government.

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political science British  

noun

1. (esp as an academic subject) the study of the state, government, and politics: one of the social sciences

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political science Cultural  

1. The systematic study of government and politics. Political science is a social science that makes generalizations and analyses about political systems and political behavior and uses these results to predict future behavior. Political science includes the study of political philosophy, ethics, international relations and foreign policy, public administration, and the dynamic relations between different parts of governments.

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Other Word Forms

• political scientist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of political science

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Political science professor Bratt said the wildfires offered an opportunity for Smith to shine, but also carried risks.

From Reuters • May 10, 2023

Political science professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University, noted ahead of the vote that this was the first significant election since the 2014 coup.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2022

Political science shows there's surprisingly little causal relationship between ideology and party affiliation, and that people tend to pick parties for identity reasons and then shape their political views around that.

From Salon • May 6, 2019

Political science data on the justices’ voting patterns confirm that analysis.

From New York Times • Sep. 2, 2018

Political science imperatively demands that powers shall be regulated by multiplication and division.

From Lectures on the French Revolution by Figgis, John Neville

Related Words

• civics